Martial arts practice assembly

ABSTRACT

An assembly structured to facilitate the practice of various martial art techniques by an individual such as kicks, punches and other physically delivered blows associated with various forms of the martial arts. At least on elongated stanchion is operatively disposed in a substantially vertical, upright position and comprises a plurality of support assemblies extending outwardly therefrom and adjustable at various heights along the length thereof. Each or a predetermined number of the support assemblies include a mounting structure secured to an outer end thereof at a predetermined orientation. Each of the mounting structures is dimensioned, disposed and configured to have a striking target, such as a Thai pad, or like structure disposed in an exposed, accessible location to facilitate the delivery, by the individual, of different types of martial art blows.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present application is a continuation-in-part application ofpreviously filed, now pending application having Ser. No. 11/358,287,filed on Feb. 21, 2006, which is incorporated herein in its entirety byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a post-like assembly for the removable supportand selective disposition of a plurality of striking targets such as,but not limited to, Thai pads. Selective adjustability and otherstructural features of the post-like assembly facilitate the positioningof the striking targets in a preferred, exposed, accessible location andat predetermined orientations so as to facilitate the execution ofvarious types of kicks, punches and other blows or like martial arttechniques.

2. Description of the Related Art

The practice and performance of martial arts has enjoyed increasingpopularity not only in its one or more countries of origin but in theUnited States as well as other locations throughout the world. Whilefrequently considered a sport or type of physical exercise, it is wellunderstood that various forms of the martial arts also involvesignificant mental discipline resulting in an overall physical andemotional well being of a participating individual. Perhaps the mostpopular categories of the martial arts include Tai Kwon Do, Kung Fu,karate and others. A related sport or like physical discipline may alsoinclude kick boxing, which while not strictly recognized as a formalmartial arts category, does incorporate various martial art techniquessuch as kicking, punching, etc. Serious participation in any of themartial arts including, but not limited to those set forth above,involves concentrated practice comprising repetitious performance ofvarious types of martial art techniques of the type set forth above. Theability of participants in the martial arts, including students andinstructors alike, to maintain a preferred and rigorous practiceschedule typically requires the delivering or performance of such blowsin a real life atmosphere.

Clearly a significant factor in the practice of martial arts involvesmental discipline. As such, the practice of this aspect of martial arttechniques may be performed mentally, at least in part, wherein phantomor at least partially imaginary targets are used in the practiceprocedures. However, it is equally well recognized that in order tobecome increasingly proficient and perhaps reach the level of a martialarts master in one or more of the above-noted disciplines, an individualmust recreate, as much as possible, real situations where kicks, punchesand like blows are actually delivered with force. Therefore, in order tocreate or accomplish a real life environment of the type generallydescribed above, participants of the martial arts interact with oneanother at least to the extent of one individual holding or otherwisesupporting boards, pads, and other “striking targets”. In accordancewith these conventional practices, one individual delivers real lifeblows to the striking targets held or supported by a cooperatingindividual.

While such techniques are considered at least minimally effective forthe continued improvement of various forms of martial arts, certainobvious problems and disadvantages do exist. By way of example, onemartial art technique involves one individual delivering an appropriatekick, punch or like blow to a board or other target held by anotherindividual. The purpose is to deliver the blow with sufficient force andaccuracy to break the board or otherwise strike the held target at apredetermined location. While effective, such practices are frequentlydangerous and oftentimes result in injuries to the individual holdingthe board or other striking target. In order to overcome problems anddisadvantages of the type set forth above, a plurality of conventional“exercise devices” are known and believed to be commercially available.Such devices are structured and utilized in a manner somewhat similar toother known strengthening or exercise machines found in well equippedgymnasiums, exercise rooms and even some home or domestic environments.

The similarity between exercise devices associated with the practice ofmartial art techniques and strengthening or cardiovascular machines maybe all too similar. Such similarity is evident in the fact that a numberof conventional martial arts practice devices lack the versatility interms of effective and adjustable structuring to allow an individual topractice a number of the required techniques in a meaningful manner.Also, unlike conventional exercise or strengthening machines, exercisedevices associated with the practice of various forms of martial artsmust have a somewhat increased or enhanced structural integrity. This isdue because the various martial art techniques primarily, if notexclusively, involve delivery of extremely high force kicks, punches,blows, etc.

Accordingly, there is a need in this area for an assembly structured tofacilitate the practice of various martial art techniques including, butnot necessarily limited to, the performance of various types of kicks,punches, blows, etc. As such, a proposed practice assembly should beable to efficiently and preferably adjustably position at least one, butmore practically, a plurality of “striking targets”. Such strikingtargets could include, but are not intended to be limited to, paddedstructures such as those conventionally known in the martial arts fieldas “Thai pads”. In addition, a proposed practice assembly would havestructural and operative features which would allow the adjustable andaccurate disposition of the one or more striking targets in an exposed,accessible location to facilitate the real life practicing of thevarious martial art techniques associated with one or more forms ofmartial arts. Further, a proposed martial arts practicing assembly couldbe structured to duplicate, as much as practical, real life positionsand orientations, where selective blows are delivered to individual andappropriate ones of the striking targets. As such, the proposed practiceassembly would efficiently and effectively position individual ones ofthe striking targets in a variety of different angular orientations,such that the practiced techniques would closely resemble real lifesituations.

Also, a proposed and preferred practice assembly should be sufficientlylightweight to be transported to and used in a variety of appropriatelocations. Finally, practice assemblies of the type proposed shoulddemonstrate sufficient structural integrity to absorb forces deliveredby an individual during a practice session, where numerous martial artblows are delivered to various ones of the aforementioned strikingtargets in a repetitive fashion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a practice assembly structured tofacilitate the practice of various kicks, punches, blows or like martialart techniques through the support and adjustable positioning of atleast one, but more practically, a plurality of “striking targets.”While the structural and operational details of the practice assembly ofthe present invention will be primarily described for use in theattachment, support and positioning of striking targets in the form of“Thai pads”, other types of targets can also be utilized. By way ofexample, at least one embodiment of the present invention includes thesupport of a punching bag or “speed bag”. While a striking target ofthis type may be more commonly associated with the sport of boxing, itmay also be beneficial in the practicing of various martial artstechniques.

As is known in the martial arts field, targets such as Thai pads providea cushioned or padded structure intended to absorb the force formvarious blows. Conventionally, such pads are held or supported by oneindividual, while another individual delivers various types of blows tothe pad being held. While the use of Thai pads or other striking targetsin this manner are functional and operative for their intended purpose,it is believed that a more efficient utilization of such paddedstructures, or other striking targets, could be accomplished by the oneor more preferred embodiments of the practice assembly of the presentinvention.

More specifically, the assembly of the present invention comprises atleast one elongated stanchion or similar post-like structure operativelydisposed in a freestanding, upright, substantially vertical orientationwhen in use. A base is integrally, fixedly or removably connected to alower end of the stanchion and is structured to provide stable supportthereof when the base is positioned on any of a variety of differentsupporting surfaces. As will be apparent, utilization of the one or morepreferred embodiments of the practice assembly of the present inventioninvolves the selective positioning and support of a plurality ofstriking targets, of the type generally described above. As such, thestanchion, as well as other components associated therewith should havesufficient stability, strength and overall structural integrity toabsorb the force of repeated blows of the type involved in the practiceof various martial art techniques. Therefore, the base includesstructural features which facilitate the stable support of the stanchionand the one or more striking targets supported thereon. Morespecifically, the base is structured to include a securing assemblydisposed and configured to support or otherwise be connected to astabilizing assembly.

In yet another preferred embodiment to be described in greater detailhereinafter, the base is structured to include at least two stanchionseach being oppositely or otherwise cooperatively disposed relative toone another, to the extent that different individuals may practice onthe striking targets associated with different ones of the twostanchions, without interfering with one another. It should be apparentthat when utilizing more than one stanchion, wherein concurrentpracticing is being conducted on each stanchion, the base supporting thestanchions must demonstrate a sufficient and possibly increased amountof stability. This embodiment of the base is further structurallymodified such that each of the two stanchions supported thereon maybeintegrally, fixedly or removably connected in their respectiveoperative, substantially vertically upright positions.

Accordingly, the base may include a variety of different structuralmodifications each of which are adaptable for use with one or morestanchions and one or more different stabilizing assemblies. However, amost preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises the baseincluding one or more securing members attached to each of a pluralityof support legs which collectively define the base. The securing membersare disposed, dimensioned and configured to receive one or more weightmembers thereon. As such, a sufficient amount of weight is removablyapplied to the base to accomplish the desired degree of stability of theone or more stanchions as the striking targets supported thereby absorbthe forces from the various techniques practiced on the assembly.Structural details of the one or more weight members may varysignificantly from customized weights to conventional weights of thetype associated with barbell devices. Therefore such weight structuresmay not necessarily be considered an integrated part of the mostpreferred embodiment of the practice assembly of the present invention,but rather an auxiliary component to be used or otherwise associatedtherewith.

Additional structural and operative features of the assembly include atleast one but more practically a plurality of support assemblies each ofwhich include at least one elongated support arm. An inner or proximalend of each of the support arms is adjustably connected to the stanchionand includes a sufficient connecting apparatus, such as a spring loadedor other structured quick connect/disconnect device to adjustably attachthe support arms at various positions along the length of the stanchion.Accordingly, the support arms may be disposed at substantially anypreferred height relative to the supporting surface on which thestanchion is positioned.

In addition, the outer or distal end of each of the support armsdefining the one or more support assemblies is secured to a mountingstructure. The mounting structure is dimensioned and configured tofacilitate a supportive interconnection with at least one or a pluralityof different striking targets. As set forth above, one striking targetof the type intended to be used with at least one preferred embodimentof the present invention is a Thai pad. As such, the one or moremounting structures include a sufficient dimension and/or configurationto securely, but preferably removably, mount the Thai pad or likestriking target on the mounting structure. In addition, individual onesof the mounting structures associated with different ones of the supportarms are preferably disposed at a predetermined orientation as relatesto the substantially upright and/or vertical orientation of thestanchion. Accordingly, the various orientations of the mountingstructures, as well as the striking targets mounted thereon, are such asto best facilitate the practice or exercise of various types of kicks,punches, blows or like martial art techniques to which individual onesof the striking targets may be subjected. Accordingly, the selective andpreferred positioning of a plurality of striking targets at exposed,accessible locations and at preferred orientations provides an efficientand effective martial arts practice assembly. Further, such a preferredassembly overcomes many of the disadvantages and problems recognizedwith conventional devices, structures and related assemblies associatedwith the practicing of martial arts techniques and/or the proceduresassociated therewith.

The versatility of the practice assembly of the present assembly isfurther demonstrated by including a support assembly and correspondingmounting structure cooperatively structured to support a striking targetin the form of the aforementioned punching bag. As will be furtherdescribed, this embodiment of the present invention includes additionalstructure which facilitates the movable connection of the punching bagor “speed bag” to the support assembly and corresponding mountingstructure such that the punching bag depends or hangs downwardly fromthe mounting structure, so as to be usable in an intended fashion.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detaileddescription are taken into consideration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention,reference should be had to the following detailed description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the martialarts practice assembly of the present invention in an assembled formabsent normally accompanying auxiliary components, including strikingtargets and a stabilizing assembly as represented FIG. 2.

FIG. 1A is a rear perspective view in partial cutaway of a portion ofthe practice assembly of the preferred embodiment and a quick connectdevice associated therewith.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the martial arts practice assembly ofthe present invention in an assembled form and in an operative positionwith various auxiliary components mounted thereon.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view in detail of one embodiment of a supportassembly associated with the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view in detail of yet another embodiment of asupport assembly associated with the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1 and2.

FIG. 5 is yet another embodiment of a support assembly associated withthe preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of thepractice assembly of the present assembly in an assembled form absentnormally accompanying auxiliary components, including the strikingtargets and a stabilizing assembly of the type disclosed in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6A is a rear perspective view in partial cutaway of a portion ofthe practice assembly of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 is a side view of yet another preferred embodiment of a basestructured to support and be removably connected to one or morestanchions.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the base assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a side view of yet another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention including a stanchion, modified support assembly and mountingassembly.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view along lines 10-10 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a top view in partial phantom of the embodiment of FIG. 9.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several viewsof the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In accordance with the accompanying Figures, the present invention isdirected to a practice assembly generally indicated as 10 specifically,but not exclusively, intended for the practice of various martial arttechniques such as kicks, punches and like blows. More specifically, theassembly 10 includes an elongated stanchion 12 formed of a highstrength, rigid material. Because of its intended use, the material fromwhich the stanchion 12 is formed, along with the other structural andoperative components of the present invention, must demonstratesufficient strength and overall structural integrity to withstand theforces of various, repetitive blows or other martial art techniquespracticed on the assembly 10.

Additional stability is provided by lower end of the stanchion 12 beingintegrally, fixedly or removably, but securely, connected to a base,generally indicated as 14. An obvious purpose of the base 14 is tosupport the stanchion 12 and the various structural componentsassociated therewith on any one of a plurality of different supportingsurfaces. Further, the base 14 is preferably dimensioned, configured andstructured to provide sufficient stability to the assembly 10, such asresisting swiveling, tipping, etc, as the various blows or other martialart techniques are practiced thereon. Therefore, the base 14 comprises aplurality of support legs 16 being relatively disposed and appropriatelyelongated or otherwise configured to provide the required stabilityduring a practice session. As represented in the FIGS. 1 and 2, the base14 may assume a variety of configurations and as such the number andrelative positions of the legs 16 may differ. One preferred structuralconfiguration of the base is represented in FIG. 1 and includes the twoelongated legs 16 interconnected by a brace structure 16′. In contrast,the base of FIG. 2 includes a plurality of preferably three legs 16 eachextending substantially radially outward from a lower end of thestanchion 12.

Stability of the base 14 and remaining portions of the assembly arefurther facilitated by the provision of an adjustment assemblycomprising at least one, but more practically, a plurality of adjustmentmembers, represented in FIG. 1, and movably connected to under portionsof the different legs 16. Each of the one or more adjustment members maybe movably positioned to facilitate a substantially level or otherpreferred or predetermined orientation of the stanchion 12 on asupporting surface, as represented in FIG. 1. Also, the base structures14 of both FIGS. 1 and 2 are structured to include a securing assembly,generally indicated as 18, which is disposed, dimensioned and configuredto connect or otherwise support a stabilizing assembly 20, representedin FIG. 2.

In order to accommodate the stabilizing assembly 20 a most preferredembodiment of the practice assembly 10 comprises the stabilizingassembly 18 including at least one but more practically a plurality ofsecuring members 22 in the form of elongated rods. Each of the one ormore rods 22 are secured to and extend upwardly or outwardly from acorrespondingly disposed support leg 16. Further, the dimension of eachof the rods 22 is such as to removably receive at least one weightmember or structure 24 thereon. As such, the one or more weightstructures 24 define the aforementioned stabilizing assembly 20.Further, the one or more weight members 24 may be conventionallystructured weight members of the type associated with barbell devices oralternatively may be somewhat customized so as to be adaptable for usewith the base 14. Accordingly, in a most preferred embodiment of thepresent invention the stabilizing assembly 20, comprising one or moreconventional weight structures or members 24, is not considered a partof the present invention. It is emphasized that weight structures ormembers 24 of various types may define the stabilizing assembly 20 andbe adapted for use with the securing assembly 18. As should be apparent,the support members 22 would be correspondingly adapted in terms ofstructure, dimension and configuration to support or otherwise connectvarious types of stabilizing assemblies 20 and/or weight members 24 tothe base 14.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision of at leastone but more practically a plurality of support assemblies generallyindicated as 30, 32 and 34. Each of the support assemblies 30, 32 and 34are preferably, but not necessarily, formed from a high strength, rigidand preferably non-flexible material, as is the material from which thestanchion 12 is formed. As such, various components of the practiceassembly 10 demonstrate sufficient strength and structural integrity toabsorb the forces from the blows exerted thereon, as set forth above.Further, each of the support assemblies 30, 32 and 34 include a supportarm having a proximal end interconnected to the stanchion 12 and adistal end connected in supporting relation to a different one of aplurality of mounting assemblies 40, 41, 43 and 44. As will also beexplained in greater detail hereinafter, each of the mounting assemblies40 through 44 comprise an appropriate dimension, configuration andoverall structure to support at least one type of striking target 50thereon. As set forth above, a most preferred striking target to be usedin combination with the assembly 10 comprises a pad or like cushioneddevice, conventionally known in the martial arts area as a “Thai pad”.However, as demonstrated in an additional preferred embodiment of FIGS.9 through 11, other types of striking targets, such as a punching bagand/or speed bag may be included for use with the exercise assembly ofthe present invention. Accordingly, striking targets of types other thanThai pads, punching bags, etc, may or may not include a padded orcushioned structure and still may be used with the assembly 10.Therefore, structural modifications to the mounting assemblies 40through 44 in order to adapt to at least some different types ofstriking targets may be minimal or nonexistent.

As demonstrated in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 through 5, each of thesupport assemblies 30, 32 and 34 preferably include at least oneelongated arm 52, 54, 60 and 64 extending transversely outward from thestanchion 12 in various predetermined and preferably differentdirections. In addition, the inner or proximal end of each of thesesupport arms is associated with a mounting or connecting collargenerally indicated as 56. Each of the collars 56 is dimensioned andconfigured to be movably and/or adjustably connected to the stanchion 12by placement in substantially surrounding relation thereto as clearlydemonstrated in FIGS. 1 through 3. In addition, at least one connector58 is mounted on or otherwise associated with each collar 56 so as toquickly and easily connect or disconnect the collar 56, as well as thecorresponding support arm, relative to the stanchion 12.

With primary reference to FIG. 1A, each of the connectors 58 may includea spring biased structure associated with a connecting pin (not shownfor purposes of clarity) dimensioned to fit within any of the pluralityof holes or apertures 59 extending in spaced relation to one anotheralong the length of the stanchion. An outward pulling force exerted onthe pull handle or knob 58′ will serve to remove the associatedconnecting pin from a corresponding one of the holes 59, therebydetaching the collar 56 from the stanchion 12. Reconnecting the collar56 involves a reverse procedure, including a release of the handle whenthe connecting pin is aligned with an appropriate aperture. This resultsin a passage of the pin into the aperture due to a biasing force exertedon the connecting pin by the aforementioned spring biased structure.Therefore, each of the support arms and their associated supportassemblies 30, 32 and 34 may be selectively disposed at any of aplurality of preferred locations along the length of the stanchion 12.As such, the height of the support assemblies 30, 32 and 34, relative tothe supporting surface of the stanchion, may be adjusted so as toproperly position the corresponding striking targets 50 at a locationwhich best facilitates the performance of intended kicks, such as sidekicks, or other martial art techniques.

As represented in FIG. 3 the support assembly 30 includes twin supportarms 52 and 54 each having a different one of the mounting assemblies 40and 41 fixedly, integrally or otherwise connected to an outer or distalend thereof. As will be explained with primary reference to differentstructural embodiments of the support assemblies 30, 32 and 34, asrepresented in FIGS. 3 through 5, the structural features may vary whilethe intended operative purpose of each of the support assemblies 30, 32and 34 are substantially similar. With further reference to FIG. 3, itis noted that each of the mounting assemblies 40 and 41 comprise asubstantially elongated configuration secured to the distal ends of thearms 52 and 54 respectively at a predetermined angular orientationrelative to the upright, substantially vertical orientation of thestanchion 12. In doing so, the angular orientation of the mountingassemblies 40 and 41 determine the corresponding attitude or angularorientation of the corresponding striking targets 50 thereby furtherfacilitating the efficient practice or performance of sidekicks or othermartial art techniques practiced thereon.

With primary reference to FIG. 4, the support assembly 32 includes anelongated arm 60 having its distal end fixedly, integrally or otherwiseconnected to the mounting assembly 43. The opposite or inner, proximalend of the support arm 60 is secured to the mounting or connectingcollar 56 as represented in detail in FIG. 1A. Also, one or moreconnecting structures 58 are connected to or otherwise associated withthe collar 56 for purposes of adjustably securing the support assembly32 and the corresponding mounting assembly 43 along the length of thestanchion 12. The support assembly 32 and the mounting assembly 43 maybe removably and/or adjustably disposed at any preferred orpredetermined height relative to the supporting surface on which theassembly 10 is positioned. A preferred structural variation of theembodiment of FIG. 4 is represented in FIG. 1, wherein the support armfurther includes a spacer arm or like structure 60′ secured to the outerextremity thereof. The spacer arm 60′ is disposed, dimensioned andconfigured provide a predetermined spacing between the mounting assembly43 and the support arm 60, thereby reducing the possibility of a user'sfoot accidentally engaging the support arm 60 instead of the intendedstriking target 50.

With primary reference to FIG. 5, one embodiment of the support assembly34 includes an at least minimally elongated support arm 64 having itsouter or distal end secured to mounting assembly 44 and its inner endsecured to mounting or connecting collar 56. The collar 56 and theconnecting device 58 have the structural and operative featuresdescribed with relation to the embodiment of FIG. 1A. One or moreconnecting devices 58 and 58′ are associated with the collar 56 so as toadjustably dispose and connect the support assembly 34 and itsassociated mounting assembly 44 at various locations along the length ofthe stanchion 12 and at various heights relative to the supportingsurface on which the assembly 10 is positioned. It is of course notedthat the support arm 64 has a significantly less longitudinal dimensionthan the support arms 52, 54 and 60 associated with the supportassemblies 30 and 32 of the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4. However, thesupport arm 64 is considered to be at least minimally elongated to theextent of positioning the mounting assembly 44 in a preferred,transversely outward position relative to the stanchion 12 as clearlydemonstrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

A preferred structural modification of the mounting assembly 34, asrepresented in FIG. 5, is represented in FIG. 1. More specifically, thesupport arm 64, the collar 56 and the mounting assembly 34 arecooperatively disposed, dimensioned and configured to position the lowermost end 35 of the mounting assembly 34 beneath or substantially levelwith the corresponding end 56′. This will reduce the possibility of aportion of the user's body inadvertently coming in contact with thecollar 56 or adjacent structure, rather than a corresponding strikingtarget 50 mounted on the mounting assembly 44.

The support assemblies 30, 32 and 34 and their respective mountingassemblies 40 through 44 have been described for use with the mostpreferred embodiments of the assembly 10 as represented in FIGS. 1 and2. However, it should be noted that other and/or additional supportassemblies may be utilized. If other and differently structured supportassemblies are used with the practice assembly 10, the overall dimensionand configuration thereof may differ in order to support additionalstriking targets or Thai pads 50 in different orientations or positionsso as to further facilitate the practice of martial art techniques asshould be apparent. Also, depending upon the intended location andpreferred orientation of each of the plurality of striking targets 50their specific angular orientation relative to the upright, freestanding stanchion 12 is purposely varied or preselected in order tofacilitate the practice or performance of various kicks, punches, blowsor other martial art techniques as also should be apparent.

By way of example, the support assembly 30 includes twin support arms 52and 54 sharing a common mounting or connecting collar at theirinnermost, correspondingly positioned ends. Also, the mountingassemblies 40 and 42 are angularly oriented in a skewed or otherappropriate angle relative to the substantially vertical axis of thestanchion 12 in order to practice or perform sidekicks or othertechniques. In contrast, the support assembly 32 extends transverselyand/or radially outward from the stanchion 12 and has its mountingassembly 43 oriented in substantially perpendicular relation to the axis12. Therefore, the Thai pad or like striking target 50 assumes the sameperpendicular attitude. As such, the Thai pad associated with thesupport assembly 32 and the mounting assembly 43 facilitates thepractice of utilizing an individual's knee to deliver blows to thestriking target 50. In further contrast, the support assembly 34includes the mounting assembly 44 arranged in substantially parallelorientation to the length or longitudinal axis of the stanchion 12 inorder to deliver various types of punches, kicks or like blowsassociated with martial art techniques.

As set forth above, the dimension, configuration and overall structureof each of the mounting assemblies 40 through 44 are such as to beadapted for the removable support of striking targets 50 preferably, butnot exclusively, in the form of Thai pads. As such, each of the Thaipads conventionally comprise a grip or handle like member 70 designed tofit over and in at least partially surrounding relation to anappropriately disposed, dimensioned and configured adaptor plate 72associated with at least one but preferably all of the mountingassemblies 40 through 44. Removable connection of each of the Thai padsor like striking targets 50 may be further accomplished by belts orstraps disposed in surrounding relation to various portions of therespective lengths of the mounting assemblies 40 through 44 as alsorepresented in FIG. 1.

Additional preferred embodiments of the practice assembly arerepresented in detail in FIGS. 6 through 11. With primary reference toFIG. 6 and 6A, one additional preferred embodiment is generallyindicated as 10′ and, with certain exceptions, comprises a substantiallyequivalent structure to the embodiment of the FIG. 12. Moreover, thepractice assembly 10′ includes an elongated, upstanding stanchion 12connected to the base 14 by being fixedly or removably attached theretoas described in greater detail with regard to the embodiment of FIGS. 7and 8. The practice assembly 10′ further includes a support assembly 30including outwardly extending support arms 52 and 54 each connected to acorrespondingly positioned mounting structure 40 and 41. It isemphasized that in a comparison between the preferred embodiments ofFIGS. 1 and 1A and 6 and 6A, like reference numerals refer to like partsthroughout these and other Figures.

Structural modifications of the practice assembly 10′ include what maybe generally considered the combining of support assemblies 32 and 34 ofthe preferred embodiment of FIG. 1 into the support assembly generallyindicted as 80 in FIGS. 6 and 6A. More specifically, support assembly 80includes at least one outwardly extending, elongated support arm 82having a proximal end connected to the adjustable collar structure 56which incorporates the spring biased handle or gripping member 58′,operative in the manner described above with reference to FIGS. 1through 5. As clearly represented in FIGS. 6 and 6A the support arm 82includes a distal end having what may be generally referred to as a“branched” configuration or structure comprising outwardly angled armsegments 83, 84 and 85. As further represented in FIGS. 6 and 6A, thesupport assembly 80 and in particular the support arm 82 is connected insupporting relation to three spaced apart mounting structures 90, 91 and92. Each of the mounting structures 90 through 92 are respectivelyconnected to the arm segments 83, 84 and 85. Further, the mountingstructures 90, 91 and 92 are disposed in substantially parallel relationto one another, while being further disposed at a predetermined alignedor angular orientation relative to the central longitudinal axis of thesupport arm 82.

Yet another structural feature of the embodiment in FIGS. 6 and 6A isthe provision of a fourth mounting structure 94 connected to one of thethree mounting structures 90 through 92, as at 91. As furtherrepresented, the mounting structure 94 is connected to a lowermost endof the mounting structure 91 and is disposed in a perpendicular orotherwise transverse orientation to the length of the mounting structure91. As represented, the fourth mounting structure 94 is located belowthe array of mounting structures 90 through 92 and depends from at leastone of such mounting structures as at 91 and as set forth above.Additional structural features of the mounting structures 90, 91, 92 and94 include the provision of an adapter plate 72 to facilitate themounting of a Thai pad or other striking target 50 as demonstrated inFIG. 2.

Additional structural and operative features of the practice assembly10′ include the provision of at least one, but preferably a plurality ofauxiliary connectors 96 disposed at various spaced apart locations onthe stanchion 12, base 14, support assemblies 30 and 80 as well as otherlocations on the practice assembly 10′. Further, each of the auxiliaryconnectors 96 are structurally adapted to anchor, connect or otherwisesecure one or more elongated elastic exercise bands or straps (not shownfor purposes of clarity) commonly known and utilized in the exerciseindustry. Interconnection of the elastic bands or straps with anyone ofthe auxiliary connectors 96 may be accomplished by a variety ofconventional devices such as a hook, snap-hook or any appropriateattachment device which facilitates removable connection of the elasticbands two any one of the auxiliary connectors 96 in a manner whichallows a pulling and/or pushing tension to be exerted on the strap band,so as to provide adequate resistance to the user thereof.

Yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention isdemonstrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, wherein a base 14′ is structured to beremovably connected to at least one stanchion 12′ or at least twostanchions 12′ and 12″. The lower end of each stanchion 12′ and 12″ istelescopically received within upstanding stanchion mounts 100 asindicated by directional arrows 102. As such, the lowermost end of eachof the stanchions 12′ and 12″ are dimensioned, configured and otherwisestructured to be received within or otherwise be removably connected tothe stanchion mounts 100, as demonstrated. Further, removableinterconnection of the lower ends 103 of each of the stanchions 12′ and12″ with the upstanding stanchion mounts 100 may be accomplished byalignment of a plurality of apertures 105 and 107 respectively formed onthe stanchions 12′, 12″ and the stanchion mounts 100. A spring loadedpull handle 58 and 58′, as described with specific reference to FIGS. 1and 1A, can be utilized to removably connect the stanchions 12′ and 12″to the stanchion mounts 100. In the alternative any type of locking pin,cotter pin or substantially equivalent structure can also be used tosimultaneously pass into and through the stanchion mounts 100 andstanchions 12′ and 12″ by means of the alignment of the correspondingholes or apertures 105 and 107. Further, as with the embodiment of FIG.6 an additional bracing flange or like member 19 may serve tointerconnect the stanchion mount 100 with the base 15′, as indicated.

Accordingly, the preferred embodiment of FIG. 6 including the stanchion12 integrally or fixedly secured to the base 14 may be modified tosubstitute a stanchion 12′ or 12″ for the stanchion 12, thereby enablinga removable, supporting connection of the stanchion portion of thepractice assembly 10′ from the base 14 or 14′. In addition, it should beapparent that the relatively opposite disposition of the stanchions 12,12′ and/or 12″ on the base 14′ facilitates the concurrent use of thestanchions 12, 12′ and 12″, as well as the support assemblies, mountingstructures and striking targets associated therewith by different userspracticing at the same time. Also, a combined structure of the bases 14and 14′ may be implemented, wherein one of the stanchions 12 may beintegrally or fixedly secured to the base and the other of the twostanchions, as at 12′ or 12″, may be removably connected to the samebase.

Yet another preferred embodiment of the exercise assembly of the presentinvention is represented in FIGS. 9 through 11. More specifically, FIG.9 discloses a stanchion 12′ or 12″ capable of being removably connectedto a base such as at 14′ by means of a spring loaded or spring biasedpull handle assembly 58, 58′, as explained above with specific referenceto FIGS. 1A and 6A. The additional preferred embodiment of FIG. 9further comprises a support assembly generally indicated as 110including an outwardly extending elongated support arm 112. The supportart 112 has its proximal end connected to an upper portion of thestanchion 12′,12″ and may be additionally supported by a bracing flange19′. An additional cross brace or reinforcing member 114 is connected tothe support arm 112 in a substantially transverse relation thereto asclearly demonstrated in FIG. 11.

In this additional preferred embodiment, the mounting structurecomprises a panel or like structure 116 preferably, but not necessarily,having a circular configuration as clearly demonstrated in FIGS. 10 and11. Further, the mounting structure 110 includes an attachment assembly118 structured to movably connect a striking target, generally indicatedas 120, preferably in the form of a punching bag or “speed bag” of thetype well-known in the boxing industry. It is emphasized that the speedbag 120, while conventionally associated with the sport of boxing, canbe utilized in the practicing of various martial art techniques. Assuch, the striking target or speed bag 120 can be conventionallystructured or somewhat modified or customized so as to be more readilyadaptable to the various martial art techniques intended to be practicedthereon. Also, the mounting structure 110 includes the panel 116 beingdisposed and configured to include an under surface 116′ defining adeflecting portion or structure which periodically confronts or engagesthe speed bag 120, causing it to “bounce” or be deflected away from thepanel member in a conventional manner as it is repeatedly struck.

As described above with reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8,the preferred embodiment of FIG. 9 can be used independently of orconcurrently with either of the practice assemblies 10 or 10′ whereinone or more stanchions 12, 12′ and/or 12″ may be fixedly or removablysecure to an appropriate base structure 14 or 14′.

Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be madeto the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intendedthat all matters in the foregoing description and shown in theaccompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined bythe appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Now that the invention has been described,

1. An assembly structured to facilitate the practice of martial arttechniques, said assembly comprising: at least one elongated stanchionand a supporting base connected thereto, said base disposed andstructured to facilitate a freestanding, substantially uprightorientation of said one stanchion on a supporting surface, a pluralityof support assemblies each comprising an elongated support arm connectedto and extending outwardly from said stanchion and adjustablypositionable along the length thereof, a plurality of mountingstructures each fixedly connected to an outer end of a corresponding oneof said support arms of said plurality of support assemblies, at leastone of said support arms structured to support more than one of saidplurality mounting structures, each of said plurality of mountingstructures dimensioned and configured to removably support a strikingtarget on said stanchion in a fixed position, and said support arms ofsaid plurality of support assemblies and corresponding ones of saidmounting structures cooperatively structured to position a plurality ofstriking targets in different, fixed, exposed, accessible locations andat predetermined orientations to facilitate selective striking thereof.2. An assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein at least said one supportarm is structured to support at least three mounting structures thereon.3. An assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said three mountingstructures extend outwardly from a distal end of said at least onesupport arm at different angular orientations relative to said at leastone support arm and in fixed, parallel, spaced relation to one another.4. An assembly as recited in claim 3 further comprising a fourthmounting structure connected in depending relation to at least one ofsaid three mounting structures.
 5. An assembly as recited in claim 3wherein said at least one support arm comprises a distal end with asubstantially branched configuration defined by a plurality of armsegments, each of said arm segments connected to a different one of saidthree mounting structures.
 6. An assembly as recited in claim 1 whereinat least one of said plurality of support assemblies comprises aplurality of elongated support arms having a substantially commonproximal end adjustably connected to said stanchion, each of saidplurality of support arms having a distal end fixedly connected to adifferent one of said plurality of mounting structures.
 7. An assemblyas recited in claim 6 wherein at least some of said plurality of supportarms include a collar disposed in surrounding relation to saidstanchion, said collar adjustably connected to said stanchion andselectively positionable along the length thereof at different heightsrelative to the supporting surface.
 8. As assembly as recited in claim 1wherein said base is structured to support at least two stanchions in asubstantially upright orientation.
 9. As assembly as recited in claim 8wherein at least one of said two stanchions is removably connected tosaid base.
 10. An assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising aplurality of auxiliary connectors secured to said stanchion and at leastone of said support assemblies.
 11. An assembly structured to facilitatethe practice of martial art techniques, said assembly comprising: atleast two elongated stanchions and a supporting base connected thereto,said base disposed and structured to facilitate a freestanding,substantially upright orientation of each of said stanchions on asupporting surface, at least one support assembly connected to one ofsaid stanchions and including a mounting structure secured thereto, saidone support assembly and said corresponding mounting structurecooperatively structured to movably dispose a striking target in anexposed, accessible location and in a depending orientation relative tosaid mounting structure and said one support assembly to facilitateselective striking thereof, said at least one support assemblycomprising an elongated arm extending transversely outward from said onestanchion, said mounting structure associated with said at least onesupport assembly comprising a deflecting structure disposed in overlyingrelation to said a corresponding striking target and in periodicallyconfronting relation thereto, a second one of said two stanchionscomprising a plurality of other support assemblies each including atleast one elongated support arm extending outwardly from said second oneof said two stanchions, a plurality of rigid mounting structures eachfixedly connected to an outer end of a different one of said supportarms of said plurality of other support assemblies said plurality ofsupport arms and corresponding ones of said rigid mounting structurescooperatively structured to fixedly position a plurality of strikingtargets in different, exposed, accessible relation and at differentorientations to facilitate selective striking thereof. 12.-15.(canceled)
 16. An assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein at least oneof said two stanchions are removably connected to said base.
 17. Anassembly as recited in claim 11 wherein said two stanchions arerelatively disposed on said base to facilitate concurrent use thereof bydifferent users.
 18. (canceled)